Spotlight on Warren Street Principal Dr. Matthew Lewis for creating strong foundational relationships
Principal Dr. Matthew Lewis’ leadership at Warren Street Elementary School is grounded in the belief that “it takes a village.” With a warm smile and an open door, Dr. Lewis is more than an administrator; he is a bridge-builder, deeply committed to forging strong, trusting relationships with families. To him, education is not confined to the classroom — it’s a collaborative journey shared by teachers, students, parents, and the wider community. Under his guidance, Warren Street has become not just a school for students in second, third and fourth grades, but a family.
It’s a “family” he’s been part of for a long time. A proud product of the Greater Johnstown School District, Dr. Lewis graduated from JHS in 1995. His wife, Kathi, is also a GJSD alumna, and together they chose to plant roots in Johnstown — raising their own family here, with two daughters graduating as Lady Bills in 2022 and 2024.
With deep ties to the community and a wealth of institutional knowledge, Dr. Lewis brings a unique and invaluable perspective to his role — one that continues to shape the culture of Warren Street Elementary.
“Everything I do is to support this community I’m entrusted with here at Warren Street and the community I love so deeply,” said Dr. Lewis. “My relationship with families is at the heart of it all. They’re trusting us with their babies — and that’s an enormous responsibility, one I take tremendous pride in.”
At Warren Street, Dr. Lewis has the unique opportunity to guide students at a pivotal point in their educational journey. It’s a time when children build on the strong foundation laid at Pleasant Avenue, while staff begin preparing them for the next step at Knox Middle School.
“We continue to strengthen their foundational skills while also nurturing curiosity, creativity, and social development,” said Dr. Lewis. “At Warren Street, we’re placing greater emphasis on literacy, reading comprehension, and math proficiency. This is the stage where students transition from ‘learning to read’ to ‘reading to learn’—and that’s a significant shift.”
Dr. Lewis also recognizes the value of offering extracurricular activities as a powerful way to keep Warren Street students engaged, excited to come to school, and connected with peers who share their interests. These opportunities help students discover their passions while building confidence and a sense of belonging.
Warren Street’s offerings include Odyssey of the Mind, organized chorus and band, ukulele lessons, LEGO Club, and more — all designed to spark creativity, teamwork, and personal growth beyond the classroom.
“At the heart of every great school is a leader who prioritizes connection,” Superintendent of Schools Alicia D. Koster said. “Dr. Lewis has fostered a culture where students and families genuinely feel a sense of belonging. Through kindness, empathy, and authentic partnership, he reminds us that strong relationships are the foundation of meaningful learning and student success.”
